Do you ever feel like you are stuck in a wine drinking rut? Just not in the mood for another boring chardonnay or sauvignon blanc tonight? Feel like you're trapped in the wine aisle at your local supermarket with nothing interesting to choose from? Yes, I, too, occasionally get that feeling, but I have just the cure for what ails you.

On a recent trip to Italy we discovered a new producer from the Campania region of Italy. Campania is perhaps best know for the natural beauty of the Amalfi coast and the powerful red wine produced in the region, Taurasi. However it was the white wines from Tenuta Cavalier Pepe that we fell in love with.

The Tenuta Pepe Falanghina and Greco di Tufo are both terrific options for those who are stuck in that wine drinking rut. Falanghina is an ancient Italian grape of Greek origin. It is also said that Falanghina is the grape variety behind Falernian, the most famous wine of Roman antiquity. There has been a renaissance of interest in Falanghina since the turn of the century and there is now a movement to restore the reputation of this once venerated grape. Tenuta Pepe's Falanghina has classic apple and pineapple flavors with an aromatic well balanced finish. 

 Greco di Tufo as the name implies is also of Greek origin. While it is planted throughout the southern half of Italy, Campania is home to the best dry Greco around the village of Tufo. Tenuta Pepe Greco di Tufo is an intense white wine with complex aromas of citrus fruits and minerals.

Next time you find yourself in the mood for something different, look no further than Tenuta Pepe. Historic grapes of real personality and interest from Campania.

Paul Quaglini